As wildfires become increasingly frequent and severe, fireproofing homes has emerged as a critical consideration in modern construction. Traditional houses made of wood, brick, or mortar often fail to withstand the intense heat and flames of wildfires, leading to devastating losses. In regions like California and Maui, where wildfires have ravaged communities, even securing fire insurance has become a challenge for many homeowners. This pressing need has driven innovation in fire-resistant construction, blending modern materials and techniques to create homes that not only resist fire but also offer affordability and speed of construction. The ATOM HOUSE method stands out as a revolutionary approach, combining advanced materials and cutting-edge design to redefine what it means to fireproof a home.
The history of fireproofing homes is shockingly short. In fact, during the Edo period in Tokyo, devastating fires occurred on average every 40 years due to the prevalence of wood, paper, and lamp oil in traditional homes. To manage these disasters, urban planning evolved, but comprehensive fire codes only began emerging globally within the last half-century. Despite these advancements, the materials used in many homes today remain alarmingly similar to those of the past, especially when confronted with extreme weather events. However, modern engineering and materials have opened new doors, and as the smart little piggies of folklore build their strong houses, the engineers at ATOM HOUSE are leading the charge with innovative designs for fireproof domiciles.
The ATOM HOUSE design start with fire resistant exterior materials and designs. Steel roofs, extensive use of stone and tile, and smart designs that shed wind are already used in the homes for extreme weather protection. The benefit of this design in fires is that it also limits nooks and crannies that can catch wind driven embers and create ignition points. And what is inside the walls may be a key for homes to survive wildfires also. The passive solar homes are simply heated using super-insulating technologies that serve dual purposes. By reducing heat transfer, these insulations minimize the energy required for heating and cooling, thereby lowering the house's operational costs. And in case of wildfires, they may provide a critical barrier against heat penetration during the event, protecting the interior from damage. Stone, concrete, and specialized glass can play a pivotal role in this design. Stone is non-combustible and resistant to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for exterior cladding. Similarly, concrete's thermal mass helps to absorb and dissipate heat, preventing it from reaching the structural core. Glass, when treated or reinforced with fire-resistant coatings, adds another layer of protection while allowing natural light to flood the interiors, maintaining a balance between safety and aesthetics.
Having started their designs and innovative building processes in the mountains of rural Japan, the ATOM architectural team experimented with a number of techniques and materials to maximize solar gain in the cold and wet regions. This approach not only provided a source of heat but also leveraged the drying effects of direct sunlight to significantly reduce mold, interior pests, and toxins. In the process, the team discovered that cladding buildings in glass in specific areas could serve as a durable solution that enhances longevity, warms interiors, and provides natural lighting—a combination that can reduce energy bills by 70% or more. Glass, when designed with tempered or triple-pane options, offers exceptional durability and resistance to environmental stressors. Recently the company also be to incorporate glass panels that are both transparent and capable of producing photovoltaic electricity, utilizing a patented process from an Australian solar technology start-up. This innovation positions glass as a material of the future, combining functionality with sustainability.
ATOMHOUSE founder and lead designer Jacob Reiner said that the while the ultimate disaster proof home is still yet to be built, its never to early to try. "We are really just trying to build the home that you never have to leave. Fighting traffic to go shopping and paying high energy bills should be a choice, not a necessity. A house is shelter and comfort, but we are making homes now that can provide much more, food, water, energy. Really, can we fit your own sustainable world onto a 1/4 acre suburban lot? Our homes and apartments integrate home grown food production, aquaponics, solar panels, battery storage, atmospheric water harvesting, EV charging and even income sources from small farms and ATOM FACTORY cottage industry. Solar panels power satellite internet. And now with 3d printers coming online, we are looking to really be able to make homes in the future that can provide most of the functions and services that currently take a small city to fulfill. But of course the ultimate goals is to really provide homes that are an inter generational link for security for our kids, meaning we want to build homes that will last 100 years, 200 years. So in this pursuit we are really looking at total risk elimination. With wind and hurricanes we are there, we can build for 250mph gusts. Earthquakes are houses can kind of shake em off, we build to Japan standards so even our cabinets and shelves are ready for the big one. Fire is a challenge. Our interiors and electrics are well planned to severely minimize risk of house fires, but protecting from wildfires without going completely underground is still a work in progress for our team. But new materials coming online are exciting and we are hopeful for the next few years to be helping rebuild in California and Hawaii with a new generation of homes and new level of preparedness. We can really build smarter and look towards the 7th generation as they say."
One of the key features of the ATOM HOUSE design is its use of steel frames, which boast exceptional fire resistance. Steel has a melting point of approximately 2,500°F (1,370°C), far exceeding the temperatures typically encountered in wildfires. A controlled test by the National Fire Protection Association revealed that a shipping container could endure a whopping 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit for over half an hour without being breached. This structural backbone ensures that even in extreme conditions, the frame of the house remains intact, providing a stable and safe environment for occupants. Complementing the steel frame, the exterior walls and roofs are constructed using polished concrete or stone panels, materials renowned for their fire-resistant properties. Concrete, for example, can endure temperatures of up to 1,000°F (540°C) without losing its integrity, while stone offers similar resilience. These materials not only provide robust protection but also lend a sleek, modern aesthetic to the design, characterized by clean lines that eliminate places where embers or sparks could lodge and ignite.
A hallmark of the ATOM HOUSE approach is its innovative use of a curtain wall system. This method involves hanging fine stone, glass, and other luxurious materials onto a factory-precut and welded steel frame. This technique not only ensures extreme durability but also offers unparalleled flexibility in choosing finishing materials to suit varying budgets and tastes. The modular nature of this system allows for faster assembly, making it ideal for regions that require rapid reconstruction after wildfires. The ability to blend durability with design versatility sets the ATOM HOUSE apart, offering homeowners a resilient yet customizable solution to fireproof living.
Beyond construction materials, ATOM HOUSE integrates smart planting techniques and landscaping to further mitigate fire risks. For example, using fire-resistant plants, creating defensible spaces, and ensuring proper spacing between vegetation and structures significantly reduce the chances of a fire spreading to the home. Data from fire safety studies highlights the importance of removing flammable debris, incorporating gravel or stone landscaping, and using non-combustible mulch to create a safer environment. These measures, combined with ATOM HOUSE’s structural innovations, provide comprehensive fire protection.
In addition to fire-resistant construction, ATOM HOUSE incorporates advanced systems to enhance safety and sustainability. Each home is designed to capture and store rainwater, with capacities ranging from 500 kg to 6 tons, providing an essential resource in emergencies. The houses also offer advanced fire detection systems and automated sprinklers that were developed to protect Japanese wooden temples and shrines, ensuring a proactive response to potential threats. Optional vaults are available for storing valuables, data, and other critical items, offering peace of mind during extreme events. Furthermore, integrated battery systems maintain communication and power safety features even during blackouts, ensuring continuous functionality in the face of adversity.
Fireproofing homes is not just about innovation but also about addressing urgent societal needs.
The rising frequency of wildfires underscores the importance of constructing homes that can withstand these natural disasters. Communities affected by wildfires require affordable, high-quality housing solutions that can be deployed quickly. The ATOM HOUSE method addresses this demand, providing a scalable model that combines speed, affordability, and resilience. Beyond our current technology, ATOM is also exploring the future of sustainable fireproofing through its ATOM FARM LAB. They have been operating and building mushroom farms in shipping containers for nearly a decade, mainly around edible exotic varieties developed in Japan like shitake, eringi, cloud ear etc. Recently the company began developing some secondary products from the spent substrate after the mushrooms are harvested, creating a circular economy and really targeting a closed loop highly efficient agriculture. The spent brewers grain (SBG) from the Mount Fuji Whiskey distillery is being tested for shitake growing and by developing mycelium-based wall products with highly insulative values and superior sound proofing, the company is pioneering eco-friendly alternatives that align with its broader vision. These initiatives tie seamlessly into their Shroomzilla mushroom-growing systems and steel farm buildings, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and sustainability. The history of fireproofing homes has evolved from rudimentary measures to sophisticated engineering, and with companies like ATOM leading the way, the future holds the promise of homes that not only endure but thrive in the face of fire challenges and other climate events.
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